It probably didn’t seem like it at the time, but getting cut from the Albany High School basketball team two years ago is probably one of the best things to happen to Andre’ Woods. The then sophomore, now senior, didn’t give up on sports and immediately joined indoor track which proved fortunate for Woods, fellow student-athletes and even the coaches.
“Andre’ became an instant contributor to the team,” recalled coach Steven Gallagher.
Fast forward to two years after Woods first set foot - competitively - on a track to April 19, when the sprinter signed a National Letter of Intent to continue his academic and athletic career at The College of Saint Rose.
“As a coach, it is always a goal of mine to get student athletes to the next level. There is a good amount of responsibility when it comes to being a student-athlete and a lot of life lessons are learned. From day one, Andre’ has been able to handle all of his responsibilities and it paid off big time. I am incredibly proud,” added Gallagher.
Woods finished his winter track season as the Section 2 champion in the 55m. The Times Union named him a second-team All-Star and he qualified and competed in the New York State indoor track championship meet.
“I want to thank my teammates and coaches for making me one of the top Section 2 runners and one of the best in the state,” said Woods, who also played football at Albany High School.
Woods is receiving both academic and athletic scholarships to attend Saint Rose and intends to major in Cybersecurity.
“When a student-athlete chooses to stay local, it says a lot about them...this will hopefully lead to Andre’ giving back to the community,” said Gallagher.
Like so many other fellow Falcons, Woods won’t officially be able to end his career at Albany High School due to the district’s COVID-19 closure. He is, however, one of the lucky ones who will race again and next time it will be at the even more competitive NCAA level.
“This is not how I thought my senior year would end but I’ll take it. The journey up to this point has been amazing,” said Woods.
